Eryl Morris, Gwynedd chairman for the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), who has helped organise the festival, says it attracts more than 2,000 people and is vital to the local economy and the growing craft beer industry in Wales.

"It's very important - the biggest beer show in north Wales," he said.

"There was only one microbrewery in Gwynedd when we first started getting involved in the festival - now there are six, and about seven others along the north Wales coast."

Mr Morris said small-scale breweries in the region ranged in size from those employing just one or two people to others with as many as 15 staff.

Although most small breweries made their living through barrel sales to local pubs, he said the festival was an important showcase for them to display their full range to keen customers.